
Skillet Gnocchi with Asparagus, Cherry Tomatoes, and Quick Lemon Ricotta
An original fast skillet recipe featuring golden pan-seared gnocchi, tender asparagus, burst cherry tomatoes, and a quick lemon ricotta cream for freshness and richness. Ready in under 30 minutes and ideal for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 500 g refrigerated gnocchi (preferiblemente of papa)
- 250 g green asparagus (1.5 in)
- 200 g cherry tomatoes (whole)
- 180 g ricotta cheese (for the cream quick)
- 30 g grated Parmesan cheese (more a poco extra for servir, optional)
- 1 unit lemon (2 tbsp de jugo)
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped fino)
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 60 ml water (for aligerar the ricotta)
- 10 g fresh basil (leaves rasgadas or chopped gruesas)
- 1 g red pepper flakes (optional)
- 5 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. In a bowl, mix the ricotta, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, 30 ml (2 tbsp) lemon juice, 60 ml (1/4 cup) water, half of the minced garlic, 2.5 g (1/2 tsp) salt, and a little black pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- 2
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Add 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil and the gnocchi. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden on several sides. If you want to keep them warm, transfer them to an oven-safe plate at 93 °C / 200 °F while you finish the recipe.
- 3
3. Add the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil to the same skillet, along with the asparagus, cherry tomatoes, remaining garlic, red pepper flakes if using, 2.5 g (1/2 tsp) salt, and black pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until the asparagus is tender and the tomatoes begin to burst.
- 4
4. Return the gnocchi to the skillet and toss for 1 minute so the tomato juices coat the gnocchi and asparagus.
- 5
5. Turn off the heat. Add the fresh basil and toss gently. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or a few extra drops of lemon juice if desired.
- 6
6. Serve the gnocchi hot with spoonfuls of the quick lemon ricotta on top or on the side. Finish with extra Parmesan if desired.
Chef tips
Do not overcrowd the skillet; if needed, brown the gnocchi in two batches so they crisp properly. The ricotta should be silky, so add an extra spoonful or two of water if it feels too thick.
Substitutions
You can swap the ricotta for well-blended cottage cheese or soft cream cheese. Basil can be replaced with fresh parsley. If you do not have asparagus, use thin half-moons of zucchini instead.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
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